Shoulder/Arm Pain

[Deb__0__0]

  I was in an auto accident in July, 1997. I have been receiving chiropractic care since that time, but continue to have chronic pain in my right shoulder and arm. A neurologist performed a nerve conduction study finding evidence of sharp wave activity in the paracervical musculature on the right at C4-C5 and C5-C6. An MRI was requested, but no abnormalities found. He concluded that there had been a deep muscle tear in the right shoulder which has healed and that the scar tissue was causing the pain.  He said that there is not much that can be done at this time and I would suffer from the pain the rest of my life. I am 37 and work with computers (which is difficult with the pain in my arm) and a life with pain is unacceptable. What type of Dr. should I see for a 2nd opinion and is there anything that could be done for the pain?
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It's hard to say from the data whether your pain is from nerve root irritation at mid-cervical levels or if it is local shoulder structural injury.
An MRI can be negative despite very real symptoms of nerve root irritation (so-called "pinched nerve"). The EMG can be misleading though the result is suggestive of the pinched nerve hypothesis.
I think another opionion from a neurologist isn't a bad idea. Also, perhaps see an orthopedic surgeon to get an idea about the local shoulder damage. BUT if you see a surgeon, I would be VERY careful about letting him/her convince you about spine surgery. From what you mention, it's hard to make a really good case about decompressive spine surgery. Sometimes orthopedic surgeons do those - you're going because you want to know about the shoulder structures.
It is likely that either or both those doctors will recommend physical therapy. How much overlap there is between PT and chiropractic is beyond my personal experience. I tend to trust physical therapists a bit more, so you might want to carry that through and see if it could work for you.
If everyone is stumped and you get nowhere, a pain management specialist may be of help. I assume by that point, everyone will have ruled out major life-threatening or otherwise hazardous structural problems, and one can focus on symptom relief appropriately.
You are welcome to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic, if it is not at too great a distance. Call 800 223-2273 and ask for neurology appointments at 4-5559. I don't know the orthopedics number, but the same 800 number will get you the operator who knows.
I hope this helps. CCF MD mdf.